The hottest Cultural criticism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

My Survey of 16 Classic Works of New Journalism

The Honest Broker • 15725 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📚 Literature Journalism Non-fiction Cultural criticism Writing Techniques Historical context
  1. Journalism is changing fast, and traditional media must adapt to survive. Many new outlets are thriving while others struggle and lay off staff.
  2. New Journalism from the 1960s and 70s changed the way stories were told. It blended facts with storytelling, making journalism more engaging.
  3. Today, writers can explore bold stories without corporate limits. This encourages new voices to emerge and could lead to the next generation of impactful journalism.

Maybe This is Why You Shouldn't Have Published the Andrew Huberman Story

Freddie deBoer • 16120 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Ethics Gender Issues Public Opinion Investigative Reporting Cultural criticism
  1. The Andrew Huberman story did not include serious allegations like those in the Neil Gaiman story. It focused on infidelity and tardiness instead of misconduct.
  2. The way the Huberman story was presented created misunderstandings, leading many to think it was a MeToo story. The excitement around it suggested serious accusations were involved.
  3. It's important for journalism to clearly differentiate between bad behavior and harmful misconduct. Mixing them can dilute the serious conversation around issues like sexual assault.

On Priesthoods

Astral Codex Ten • 35170 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Ethics Social theory Cultural criticism Political Philosophy
  1. Priesthoods are groups of knowledgeable people that help in truth-seeking. They balance individual insights and societal ideas to find better answers to questions.
  2. These groups often keep a distance from the public to maintain their expert status. They worry that mixing with public ideas can lower their standards and credibility.
  3. While priesthoods have good functions, they can also fall prey to biased views and political influences, which can make their recommendations less reliable over time.

Seventieth anniversaries. 1955 was a very good year.

The Common Reader • 3295 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction History Cultural criticism Books
  1. 1955 was an important year for literature, with many significant books published. It featured works from renowned authors like Nabokov and Tolkien.
  2. Beyond literature, 1955 marked key moments in American history and science, including the approval of the polio vaccine and the start of McDonald's.
  3. We should celebrate anniversaries, not just of centenary events, but also of important years like 1955 that shaped culture and society.

Reading Jane Austen

The Common Reader • 3295 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
📚 Literature Classic Novels Authors Literary Analysis Cultural criticism
  1. Forget about movie and TV adaptations of Jane Austen's work. Reading the novels without visual influences helps you understand them better.
  2. Austen's writing is clever and rich in irony, which can be lost in adaptations. Her unique narrative style can't be captured on screen, and that's part of what makes her books special.
  3. Many people come to appreciate Austen only after initially disliking her work. It's worth giving her novels a second chance as opinions can change with new perspectives.
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Late bloomers, Holmes' copyright shame, Guinness Magi, Unphilosophical living, Scott revival?, Context Collapse.

The Common Reader • 1134 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📚 Literature Book Reviews Cultural criticism Literary Trends
  1. Some people are late bloomers, meaning they achieve success later in life. It's often just a part of their personality, not because they are held back.
  2. The estate of Sherlock Holmes has faced criticism for aggressively protecting copyright, even after losing court cases. Many believe this approach is unfair and counters the spirit of the original author's intent.
  3. There are different types of luck, such as finding opportunities through being active or being open to new ideas. Creating opportunities can lead to unexpected successes.

Inaugurious

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 673 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Civic engagement Cultural criticism Personal narratives Contemporary Issues
  1. The author plays with the idea of words and their meanings, suggesting the creation of a new word 'inaugurious', meaning something that doesn't bode well. It highlights how language can evolve and hold double meanings.
  2. A personal memory is shared about spending time in a condo with a runaway and watching soap operas. It paints a picture of a carefree yet troubled youth, emphasizing the mix of nostalgia and chaos in that phase of life.
  3. The story includes a unique dog that had a gentle nature but was known to growl at ghosts. This adds an eerie and humorous twist, making readers consider what the dog saw in the author.

When DOGE was HUAC: The rise and fall of the Federal Theatre Project

The Octavian Report • 24 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Theater Arts Political History U.S. History Cultural criticism
  1. The Federal Theatre Project was a government-sponsored initiative in the 1930s that put many artists to work and helped them reach a wide audience. It showed how important theater can be for culture and democracy.
  2. The project faced backlash from political figures, leading to its closure by the House Un-American Activities Committee. This highlights how arts and politics can clash, especially in times of social change.
  3. The value of theater lies in its ability to bring people together and challenge their ideas. It’s essential for a healthy society, but it often struggles to receive the funding it needs.

Mailbags (and movies) need writers

Slow Boring • 3164 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Policy Governance Labor Market Cultural criticism
  1. Movies rely on a variety of roles, including writers, for their success.
  2. Positive trends in the labor market include record enrollment in ACA exchanges, booming construction jobs, and falling greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. The outcome of historical events, like the American Revolution, can have a significant impact on future developments and trajectories.

How Do We Understand Culture?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 65 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Cultural criticism Political Discourse Social movements Cultural History Contemporary Issues
  1. There is a shift in how political resistance works, moving from large protests to quieter, more organized actions. Many feel that the energy and fervor of past movements are not as strong anymore.
  2. Critics argue that cultural writing needs solid evidence to make its points, but understanding culture can be subjective and may not always rely on hard data. Feelings and personal experiences can be valid, even if they aren't quantifiable.
  3. The political landscape is always changing, and understanding today's culture requires looking at the current situation rather than relying on the past. It's important to ask questions about what is happening now instead of just referring to old patterns.

AI Progress, Racism and the Election, Trump Picks, and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1267 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Populism Racism Cultural criticism
  1. Ecuador is facing serious gang violence that is affecting its stability. The situation is so bad that the government may need to act more like it's in wartime to regain control.
  2. Polling methods can vary in accuracy. Asking who neighbors plan to vote for might give better predictions, though it's been hit or miss in the past.
  3. Populism can have its benefits in certain situations, like in Argentina, but often it leads to anti-liberal and statist policies. It's important to see the good and the bad aspects of populism.

Of olfactory ethics and oaf-factory hysterics.

Philosophy bear • 286 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Social Issues Cultural criticism
  1. Dr. Ally Louks is facing criticism online for her PhD topic about the social meaning of smell. Some people find her work pointless and label it as 'woke'.
  2. There is a divide in intellectual circles over what it means to be smart or knowledgeable, with some critiques focusing on how certain ideas are oversimplified or misrepresented.
  3. The online discussions often trend toward name-calling and dismissive attitudes instead of engaging with the actual arguments and ideas presented.

Leftist Men Are Pussies

Default Wisdom • 244 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity politics Online Communities Political Commentary Cultural criticism Social media
  1. Many people learn about political ideas online, with platforms like Tumblr shaping modern identity politics more than traditional classrooms. This shift influenced how journalists and young adults view these topics.
  2. The conversation around political beliefs can shift quickly, especially when people explore new ideas. It's easy to get caught up in finding identity through opposing viewpoints, whether on the left or the right.
  3. Understanding differing opinions can be enlightening, even if you don't agree with them. Engaging with various perspectives helps refine your own beliefs, but it can also be uncomfortable or lead to deep personal questions.

On Franz Kafka and Escaping into Literature

Vremya • 159 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
📚 Literature Literary theory Authors Writing Reading Cultural criticism
  1. Franz Kafka had a tough relationship with his dad, which influenced his writing. He often used literature to express feelings he couldn't say in person.
  2. Writing and reading can both serve as escapes from reality, but they have different effects. Writing is more about creation, while reading can feel more passive.
  3. Even though literature can help us face our fears and express hopes, we can't truly escape our lives. Writing helps us process experiences rather than run from them.

What Was A Millennial?

Castalia • 539 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Identity politics Social Trends Cultural criticism Gender Studies
  1. Millennials challenged traditional ideas of adulthood, believing that fulfillment doesn't require following old initiation rites like military service or parenthood. They made this idea more mainstream, especially through the concept of metrosexuality.
  2. As millennials focused on self-care and personal fulfillment, they experienced challenges in workplaces that valued traditional hierarchies. This shift also led to lower birth rates, as many sought meaning outside of family structures.
  3. The rise of androgyny and gender fluidity was prominent in both millennials and Gen Z, suggesting a future with fewer gender boundaries. However, older generations often felt this led to a loss of clear roles and responsibilities.

The Philosopher Made For TV

From the New World • 75 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Media Studies Cultural criticism Social justice
  1. John Rawls introduced the idea of the 'Veil of Ignorance', which suggests that true justice comes from understanding what it's like to be in someone else's shoes. This concept gained popularity with the rise of television, which allowed people to experience others' lives vicariously.
  2. Television's storytelling created a false sense of understanding between people, making them feel connected to different lives. However, these narratives were often crafted and not authentic representations of reality.
  3. The rise of social media changed the game by giving real, diverse opinions from actual people, breaking down the 'Veil of Ignorance'. Now, individuals can see the real differences among people's values and experiences, making it clear that everyone is unique.

Men and Women Perform

Thinking about... • 400 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Analysis Dystopia Gender Studies Cultural criticism
  1. The world created in 'The Handmaid's Tale' feels real and relatable, rather than just a far-off dystopia. It reminds us of our own societal issues.
  2. The story's focus on women's oppression is often overshadowed by a narrative that tries to balance perspectives. It's important to see the story through the experiences of women.
  3. Using polite language to describe serious topics like sexual violence can minimize their impact. We need to be clear and honest about these issues to understand their significance.

Bigger’s Dream: Killing and Self-Preservation

Journal of Free Black Thought • 5 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
📚 Literature American Literature Literary Analysis Cultural criticism Historical context
  1. Bigger's act of killing Mary leads him to a new understanding of himself and the world around him. It marks a turning point where he begins to see things clearly for the first time.
  2. The murder symbolizes a drastic break from his old life, similar to the story of Adam and Eve. Both experiences bring about knowledge and a sense of being 'reborn' despite the consequences.
  3. Bigger's actions reflect his struggle against oppression and fear. Killing becomes a way for him to assert control over his life, but ultimately he learns it does not solve his deeper problems.

Interview with Constantin von Hoffmeister

The Oswald Spengler Project • 559 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
📚 Literature Translation Historical Analysis Cultural criticism
  1. In his translations, Constantin corrected typos in the CFA translation of Spengler's work and kept a meticulous approach to ensure the translations did justice to the original texts.
  2. Spengler's work on 'Early Days of World History' introduces concepts like 'culture-amoebas' and explores the role of myth and religion in early civilizations, providing unique perspectives on the early history of human civilization.
  3. The interest in Spengler's works today is driven by his challenging views on the decline of Western civilization, the rise of authoritarianism, and his literary style that blends history, culture, and philosophy.

Two Ways of Thinking About Modernism

Castalia • 379 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Modernism Art history Representation Cultural criticism Visual Arts
  1. Art has changed a lot over the last hundred years, and many feel that modern art doesn’t resonate as strongly with people today. Unlike the past, when artists were central to cultural life, modern artists often seem disconnected from the public.
  2. The shift from painting’s focus on realistic representation to abstraction was influenced by technology, leaving behind traditional techniques. While early modernists responded creatively to these changes, later artists seem to have lost that boldness.
  3. The art world is heavily influenced by money and market trends. Many notable artworks were pushed to success by a few wealthy individuals rather than by a collective appreciation of good ideas, which can cloud our understanding of what makes art valuable.

K is for Kundera

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
📚 Literature Novels Essays Authors Philosophy Cultural criticism
  1. Milan Kundera's works often explore deep philosophical ideas through fiction, making complex themes feel accessible. His famous novel, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being,' mixes romance with existential questions that resonate with readers at different life stages.
  2. Kundera believed that literature should reflect the human experience and critique societal norms, including both communism and western materialism. He valued individuality over conformity, showcasing characters who often wrestle with personal freedom and moral choices.
  3. Despite being associated with lightness and simplicity, Kundera's writing is rich with depth and challenge. He aimed to fuse serious ideas with a light narrative style, creating a unique blend that invites introspection while keeping readers engaged.

The Trad Marxism of George Grant

From the New World • 10 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Populism Globalism Political theory Cultural criticism
  1. George Grant believed that Canada was heavily influenced by America, almost like a smaller country serving a larger one. He thought this relationship made Canada lose some of its national identity.
  2. He criticized the wealthy elites in Canada who were more focused on American business than the needs of their own citizens. This created a divide between the rich and the rural areas.
  3. Grant warned that without a strong central authority, countries could lose their national character. His ideas seem even more relevant today with the rise of global influences like the internet.

What Would a Suffragist Do? Lessons for Social Change from Our Feminist Foremothers

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🚌 Education History Feminism Social Change Cultural criticism
  1. The 19th Amendment marked a significant advancement in women's rights in the US, championed by suffragists like Susan B. Anthony who fought tirelessly despite not living to see the victory.
  2. Lessons from feminist foremothers emphasize the importance of lifelong commitment to the cause of justice, regardless of age, and the need to honor those who paved the way for expanded rights.
  3. Challenges by suffragists like Sojourner Truth and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper against dehumanizing norms and cultural ideologies demonstrate the vital role of critical consciousness in driving social change.

The Matrix as symptom

The Leftovers • 199 implied HN points • 04 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Conspiracy Theories Ideology Cultural criticism Online Culture Alienation
  1. Fools convinced of a supposed revelation can be dangerous, leading to calamity if they believe they see hidden truths others can't.
  2. Conspiracy theories often oversimplify and focus on baroque explanations for obvious phenomena, when the real issues are visible to everyone.
  3. The Matrix, a movie from the '90s, is relevant even today as it symbolizes a collective alienation that still exists, highlighting society's struggles for credible answers.

Bits and pieces.

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 99 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Travel AI Urban Studies Cultural criticism
  1. Seoul is a city filled with many coffee shops and restaurants, but navigating it can be confusing due to language barriers and a complicated address system.
  2. The differences between areas in Seoul, like north and south, show how urbanization affects culture and economy, making the city unique and complex.
  3. There's a lack of clear language to talk about personal experiences of places, which is also a problem when it comes to understanding meaning in AI and its impact on human ethics and biases.

A Conversation with Caleb Caudell

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 11 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Autofiction Creative Writing Contemporary Cultural criticism
  1. Writing about sex can be found in contemporary literature, but the author believes we need a deeper and more critical perspective on it. They're aiming to show how sexual issues connect to wider social problems.
  2. The writer thinks being from a place like Indiana shapes their work differently than writers from major cities. Yet, they also feel that true talent can shine no matter where someone is from.
  3. They share their writing routine is flexible, often fueled by coffee and exercise. Writing is something they enjoy, regardless of whether they make money from it or not.

A Return to the World—On Dovlatov's Peter the Great and Dostoevsky's Christ

Vremya • 179 implied HN points • 02 Oct 22
📚 Literature Fiction Russian literature Literary Analysis Cultural criticism Historical context
  1. Dovlatov's writing reflects his experience of exile and nostalgia, using a suitcase as a symbol of memories left behind. The suitcase not only holds belongings but also stories that reveal his past and identity.
  2. Bringing historical figures back into stories allows for humor and critique of current realities. Dovlatov’s Tsar Peter the Great humorously reacts to the changes in St. Petersburg, revealing deeper social and political comments.
  3. Dostoevsky's Christ in 'The Grand Inquisitor' offers a complex look at faith and freedom. The return of such a significant figure raises questions about belief and the hypocrisy of those who claim to follow him.

Acts of Service

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
📚 Literature Fiction Book Reviews Cultural criticism Contemporary Issues
  1. The main character, Eve, struggles with her identity and values, particularly her views on sexuality and relationships. She goes from a strong queer identity to questioning her choices about attraction and desire.
  2. Eve's journey exposes the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting themes like polyamory and power dynamics. She realizes that sex can complicate ethical ideas about love and intimacy.
  3. The novel challenges traditional feminist ideas by showing how desire and submission can intertwine. Eve experiences a conflict between her feminist beliefs and her personal desires, prompting deep reflections on sexuality and autonomy.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Cultural criticism Historical Analysis
  1. Andrew Martin's book 'Cool For America' explores millennials feeling lost and their struggles with identity in urban and rural settings. The stories highlight the challenges of relationships and the nostalgic, sometimes trivial concerns of a generation.
  2. Marie Favereau's 'The Horde' presents the Mongols as effective empire builders rather than just violent conquerors. It shows how their administrative skills led to a unique and lasting influence on trade and governance in the regions they ruled.
  3. Both books reflect on generational issues, whether through the lens of modern millennials or the historical Mongols. They encourage readers to think about how identity and culture evolve over time and the complexities of societal change.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 30 Oct 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Mental health Cultural criticism
  1. Fernanda Melchor's book _Paradais_ uses long, run-on sentences to create a tense and dark atmosphere, showing characters trapped in their struggles and poor choices. It effectively highlights the theme of escalating darkness in the lives of its characters.
  2. Rachel Aviv’s _Strangers To Ourselves_ presents complex case studies in psychiatry, advocating for a more personal and empathetic approach. Aviv highlights that conventional medical paths can sometimes worsen a patient's situation rather than help.
  3. Both books emphasize the importance of understanding individual experiences in literature and mental health treatment. They remind us that there are no simple solutions and that each person's story is unique with its own set of challenges.

Selling Out for The Nineties: A Halcyon Era of Self-Conscious Complacency

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 14 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Cultural criticism Literature Film Music
  1. The 1990s were characterized by a post-modern ambivalence, where being into niche cultural products was cool as long as it was done with subtlety, and there was a sense of ennui due to media maturity during a time of relative peace and prosperity.
  2. Chuck Klosterman's analysis of the '90s raises questions about how artists and intellectuals navigate a world where Truth and Beauty have been challenged, and his perspective bridges the gap between our memories and reality of the past.
  3. Klosterman's essays in 'The Nineties' are recommended for culturally aware readers, particularly Gen-Xers and Millennials, as they are engaging, clever, and humorous, despite some shortcomings in analysis breadth and political commentary.

In Defense of Obnoxious Influencers

Jon’s Substack • 2 HN points • 01 May 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Youth Trends Digital economy Cultural criticism
  1. Many young people today aspire to be influencers, which may seem trivial compared to traditional careers, but it's a sign of changing times. They are learning to monetize their interests and create their own opportunities.
  2. Influencers can be seen as part of a new wave of digital entrepreneurship, allowing anyone to turn a hobby into a business with less barriers than before. This reflects a shift towards more freedom in how people choose to earn a living.
  3. Having more niches and diverse paths for success in society can lead to a more vibrant and stable community. Embracing this change could help empower more individuals to follow their passions and create value.

An Infinite Dialogue of the Imagination

Orbis Tertius • 0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
📚 Literature Literary theory Creative Writing Cultural criticism
  1. Borges argues that literature is more than just words; it creates a connection between the reader and the author's experiences. Without this connection, the words lose their meaning.
  2. AI-generated art lacks true meaning because it is created without the artist's personal experiences or emotions. Art needs to arise from human experiences to be considered valuable.
  3. The interpretation of literature changes over time and depends on the reader's perspective. The ongoing dialogue between the reader and the text is what keeps literature alive and meaningful.